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Latest changes to Immigration Rules

PUBLISHED: 27 February 2019

The Home Office introduced and announced some changes to be made in the UK Immigration Rules. The changes will mostly affect points-based system routes, including Tier 1 Investor, Tier 1 Entrepreneur and Graduate Entrepreneur.

Tier 1 Investor

While the Home Office is still in the process of revising the current Tier 1 Investor visa, it is currently accepting new applications. The changes have not been announced yet, but they will most likely affect the eligibility requirements.

Tier 1 Entrepreneur

This visa will soon be replaced by a new Innovator visa. Requirements are expected to be determined shortly.

Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur

To attract best global talent and remain a global leader in tech and innovation, the UK aims to launch a new Start-up visa for talented foreign businessmen in spring 2019. It was announced to replace the Graduate Entrepreneur visa in summer of 2018.

New route will be open to entrepreneurs even without a university degree, but they will need to show a certain level of achievement and talent. Graduates will need to apply for endorsement from a higher education institution and entrepreneurs form an approved business in the UK.

Tier 1 Exceptional Talent

This route has been available to the leaders in their field, scientists, artists, doctors, fashion designers, film directors, musicians, etc. It has been further extended to include architects that can now also apply for this visa. At the same time, the number of applications has been capped at 2,000 per year.

Endorsement is a key element of any application under this route. For example, engineers are required to be endorsed by the Royal Academy of Engineering. Architects would need to apply for endorsement from the Royal Institute of British Architects and the Arts Council England. Digital technology applications will be endorsed by Tech Nation.

Tier 4 Student visa

The Home Office will now accept financial support from a foreign student’s parent or legal guardian, as well as from an official financial or government sponsor, as the acceptable evidence of funds.